THE November 2, 2016 theP park schoolOSTSCRIPT of baltimore | 2425 old court road, baltimore, md 21208 Volume 74.1 Issue No.2 GIRLS WIN CROSS COUNTRY CHAMPIONSHIP

photo by N. Blau ’18 Sophomore J. Luljak (left) attempts to pass an opposing runner from another school in the IAAM Girls’ Cross Country Championships, on October 25. Luljak placed third in the meet and the Bruins won the championship, completing a stellar season with a record of 13-0. See article on page 12. Upper School addresses Senior participates in hackathon by LEAH GENTH ’18 pronoun preferences Senior Aaron Eline joined students—mainly acceptance in regards to gender and sexuality.” from undergraduate and graduate schools—to by THAO KAHN ’17 While faculty did not adopt Pound’s rec- solve problems in medicine using technology. An email sent over the summer from junior ommendations immediately, they did agree, The MedHacks 2.0 hackathon took place at Luke Pound addressed to teachers and students within the first few weeks of school, to ask all Johns Hopkins University’s Homewood campus pushed the Upper School to confront an issue students to fill out surveys or questionnaires September 24 and 25, and drew in 300 computer common on many college campuses: pronoun stating preferred pronouns. By explicitly asking science students from across the nation’s high preferences. for students to inform them, “[Faculty mem- schools, colleges, and graduate programs. This In the email, which was a follow-up to his bers] want to make sure that their classrooms unique national “hackathon” challenges par- assembly last year on sexuality and gender, are a safe space,” Upper School Principal Nancy ticipants to use technology to solve problems Pound’s purpose was “to help Park become a Dickson said. in the field of medicine. Eline, one of the 1,800 more inclusive and safe environment for the “While Park is great, it’s not as great as it applicants, was selected to participate in the LGBTQ+ community,” he said, especially for could be with regard to preferred pronouns,” 36-hour event. According to the MedHacks 2.0 students who identify as trans or nonbinary. Pound said. “My goal is to normalize the con- website, student computer scientists compete to Pound explained that “pronouns ‘he/him’ versation…if someone who does not identify “[integrate] their learning into real solutions to and ‘she/her’ carry the heavy connotations of [with their assigned pronouns] enters Upper pressing medical challenges.” photo by T. Kahn ’17 the genders they are associated with. For some- School, they should feel welcome because Few high school students were selected. A. Eline ’17 helped create a medical one who does not identify with the gender they there’s already a system in place where teach- “There weren’t a lot of high schoolers there, device at ‘MedHacks 2.0’ at JHU. were assigned, other people referring to them ers ask for preferred pronouns.” but no one cared because it was more about ic with two graduate students and two under- with the pronoun of their assigned gender is an “I understand the importance of being what you can do,” Eline said. graduates, who came from Texas and Illinois, uncomfortable experience.” addressed the way you would like to be ad- Participants arrived early on Saturday, Sep- respectively. Their project was to create an app He suggested that teachers encourage all dressed,” Upper School Spanish teacher and tember 23, and, after a keynote speech, were that detects early signs of problems in motor students to share their preferred pronouns, and faculty adviser of Pride Club Nancy Fink said. sorted into three rooms where people could skill development, specifically in children with use them when students feel it’s safe to do so. “It’s the recognition that identity is important, pitch their ideas. “You could sign up for any cerebral palsy and autism. One caution is that teachers not use preferred and what we’re called [by others] is important.” ideas you wanted,” Eline said. “You would call Current methods are, according to Eline, not pronouns in reports or in front of parents if stu- Questions arise from these discussions. First, the person who made the pitch, tell them your accurate. “One of the issues with the current dents have not yet come out to their parents. what responsibility do teachers have to protect skillset, and then they’d tell you if they could method [for tracking fine motor control] is that “This is extremely important,” Pound wrote in the gender identity of their students? Should use you or not.” doctors are subjectively rating patients’ draw- his email, “because parents and other adults in Eline ended up on a team called Sketch Mag- ings,” Eline said. and out of Park have a wide range of levels of See Pronouns, p. 4 See Hackathon, p. 3 INSIDE THE POSTSCRIPT COMMENTARY FEATURES SPORTS Bennett Demsky ’18 and Mon- New Associate Head of School Rivalry Day on October 8 was tana Love ‘18 examine recent Priscilla Morales brings vital- an exceptional display of school administrative decision making ity and a diverse educational spirit. During the regular season, we procedures. perspective. should do the same. PAGE 5 PAGE 6 PAGE 11 Editorial // The Postscript November 2, 2016 2 Making connections between divisions and disciplines At Park, it often feels like we have three become a buzzword for institutions of high- and English classes. divisional and interdisciplinary programs distinct schools that happen to be located er education, and for good reason: classes This is all to say that we’re already do- because they will help us become the school on the same campus. While some cross- that bridge different fields of study allow ing a lot. These programs and classes are we strive to be, where students are provided divisional partnerships do exist, there are students to make connections and expand extraordinary, especially in a high school opportunities to be more thoughtful, moti- opportunities for more of these partnerships. their knowledge. Knowledge isn’t confined setting, and it is exciting that students have vated, and self-aware. Students of all ages could have more mean- into distinct areas. Rather, the connections the ability participate in them. Let’s do more of this. ingful, educational, and empowering experi- between disciplines that may not appear It’s important that we create more cross- ences if we decide to fully embrace the fact related upon first glance help students un- that we are a K-12 institution. derstand how the world works. The Partners Program and the Cardin Interdisciplinary classes remove the un- Writing Center are two examples of current necessary labels. Students in these courses cross-divisional programs. These partner- don’t think, “I’m in history class” or “this is ships create a more cohesive school environ- chemistry,” but instead, “I’m learning about ment and provide role models for younger how the world really works.” members of the community. We already have classes that do this: Senior Atira Koikoi has been a part of the every other year, when the Spring Produc- Partners Program since she arrived at Park tion is a Shakespeare play, English teacher in third grade. “In third grade, I was one of Patti Porcarelli and drama chair and theater the few students of color. I was paired up director Peter King co-teach an English and with a partner, and the program helped me acting class for the actors involved and ad- see someone like me who was doing well ditional interested students. Last year, the in school,” Koikoi said. “That made me feel Chesapeake class focused on the history and like ‘Wow, I can really keep going here.’ I science of the Chesapeake Bay. decided to be a [Partners Program] leader This year, Spanish teacher Paul Villmoare because I wanted to make sure the Lower and English teacher Angela Balcita are Schoolers have the opportunity to do and offering two linked courses on the Span- feel the same.” ish Caribbean. Villmoare’s Spanish class Koikoi has summarized exactly why focuses on the history and culture of the cross-divisional programs are important: region, while Balcita’s English class stud- these partnerships inspire self-confidence ies literature from the Spanish Caribbean. and allow students to both teach and learn. Students are required to take both classes cartoon by Josie Reinkowitz ’18 Just as we hope to remove barriers be- for an immersive experience. tween divisions, we believe that it would Physics with calculus, affectionately Debate is an essential part of learning be beneficial to create more links between known as PhysCalc, joins math and science. disciplines. It is important to embrace the Yet another example of this is Irish History by ISAIAH HUG ’17 students because it depicts violence against places in which Upper School curricula and Literature, a course that asks students to The University of Chicago has always been women. Others contend that some classes overlap. The word “interdisciplinary” has draw on what they’ve learned from history a place of intellectual excellence. It has also should be racially segregated to avoid harmful been a place that promotes debate and chal- micro-aggressions between people of different lenges liberal American assumptions. Milton races or ethnicities. The ostscript Friedman, a Nobel Prize winning economist I think that whenever someone suggests cen- P and former U. Chicago professor, described the sorship or some sort of restriction in order to The Park School of Baltimore atmosphere: make people more comfortable, they are usually

2425 Old Court Road, Baltimore, MD 21208 “People were not very polite. People were asking for too much. Tel. 410-339-7070 interested in ideas and argument, and not in The idea behind political correctness should Parkschool.net/news/postscript making sure you didn’t ruffle anyone’s feath- not be to censor people. It is, however, impor- November 2, 2016 ers.” tant to deal sensitively with trauma. For in- stance, you might not want rape survivors to Volume 74.1|Issue No. 2 Knowing this, the August letter from the Dean of Students to incoming freshmen should watch The Girl with the Dragon Tattoo, which Editors-in-Chief not be much of a surprise: includes a graphic rape scene. Or, shouldn’t Mollie Eisner, Thao Kahn, Jack Sheehy “You will find that we expect members students who are veterans with PTSD be warned of our community to be engaged in rigorous before watching graphic scenes from Saving News Commentary Arts and Culture debate, discussion and even disagreement. At Private Ryan in class? Leah Genth Bennett Demsky Catie Turner times this may challenge you and even cause But, as always, the people who have thrown Ethan Harrison Montana Love Cici Osias, Asst. discomfort.O ur commitment to academic free- reason out the window get all the attention, and

Abel Sapirstein dom means that we do not support so-called it is that subset of people that the U. Chicago Sports Dean is addressing. Cartoons ‘trigger warnings,’ we do not cancel invited Spencer Levitt speakers because their topics might prove con- Unfortunately, the Dean’s statement may Features Henry Kouwenhoven Zach Stern, Asst. troversial, and we do not condone the creation have alienated those in the middle. The Dean Lizzie Kane Josie Renkwitz does have a point: discomfort is an important Dakotah Jennifer of intellectual ‘safe spaces’ where individuals Anton Shtarkman Photography can retreat from ideas and perspectives at odds part of a truly liberal education, and debate is Rachel Miller, Asst. Noah Blau with their own.” an essential part of learning. Here, I think we F aculty Advisers This letter caused quite the spat around the do a lot of talking, but not a lot of true debating. Jon M. Acheson country. The lack of debate may be more a symptom Susan G. Weintraub Some praised the University for defying of the lack of ideological diversity at Park, but School Population: Students—829; Employees—210 political correctness and the coddling of a gen- it’s not just that. People here often remain silent Distributed to Mailboxes of Upper School Students and Employees, eration. Others were upset with the idea that in public in order to avoid being demonized and Lower and Middle School Students by Faculty Request Mailed to Current Parents by Letter Perfect an institution would take such a hostile stance or offending anyone. Too often they wait to Copies Printed—1400 towards sensitivity training and respecting stu- express their views in private. When the topic Member of the Columbia Scholastic Press Assn dents who may be scarred from trauma. is feminism, nearly all the boys remain silent. The more widespread the notion of political When the topic is modern day civil rights, most Policies correctness has become, the more the argument of the white people remain silent. We welcome letters to the editor, unsolicited op-ed pieces, and other contributions. Please send has diverged from the reality of the situation No matter the opinion, I think that everyone work to [email protected]. We reserve the right to edit all submissions for language and length. Submissions are published at the discretion of the Editors. into something overly theoretical. The root of should be talking and debating, so long as their the problem isn’t whiny millennials or shrewd views are not just patently false or disrespectful. old men, but rather that people are focusing on Let people show their true colors, and let the The Postscript is a wholly extracurricular publication of the Upper School committed to extremism and theory rather than reality. bigots’ rhetoric, subtle or blatant, be dealt with publishing truthful, objective, and high-quality content that informs the broader community. Our through reason but not silence. The U. Chicago purpose is to hold the school and the administration accountable, and if we make an error, we Most topics can have a spectrum of ideo- Dean is right: silencing people and avoiding ask you to hold us accountable, too. We encourage all members of the community to contribute logical opinions, but extremism is evidently to the paper by writing letters to the editor. growing. There are people who believe that The uncomfortable issues does not actually accom- Great Gatsby should not be read by high school plish anything. News // The Postscript November 2, 2016 3 Effectiveness of homework in question by LANCE ROMBRO’19 looked into the topic. Participants read three arose during the conference. “In conversations did not speak to the purpose of homework. books and multiple articles by leaders in home- with teachers we always talk about how much L astly, they tried to understand how home- During the homework FACA (Faculty and work studies. homework, how many hours, and when to give work takes away from students’ lives. “There is C urricular Advancement) this past summer, One of the next steps included talking to it, but not about the quality or purpose of the no other area in a child’s life where an author- teachers from all three divisions discussed other teachers in different divisions, students, homework,” Warren said. ity outside the parent has so much influence the purpose and amount of homework given and Karyn Fisher, the Upper School Learning The teachers considered what would happen on policies and practices at home… School… to students. There has been concern among Resource teacher. In doing this, the teachers if no homework was the default instead. Pro- is mandatory, and homework has become an faculty that assigning homework has become formed a better understanding of the ideas and gressive educators had been discussing this dur- assumed extension of that legal mandate,” read the default setting, but has also become less concepts they were discussing, and how they ing the 20th and 21st centuries, which sparked a passage from the FACA report. valuable. relate to the Park community. “One of the things movements against homework. A driving ques- “I’ve been teaching since the late 70s and “ As a school known for being innova- that we found is that nationwide there is almost tion that teachers continually asked themselves I have never thought of that. But if I give you tive,” said fourth grade teacher Ali Baran, “it no evidence that homework is effective,” War- during the conference was: “How is the home- homework, I have basically told your family shocked us to learn that in 21 years of FACAs, ren said. work we assign a function of the progressive how it’s going to spend its time, and I have no one had explored a topic that looms so large Teachers then changed perspectives, from nature of an education at our school?” inserted myself into your home,” Warren said. over the lives of students and their families.” the effectiveness of homework to the role it Teachers reviewed the school’s website to The final steps of the FACA will include Baran chaired the cross-divisional summer plays in students’ lives. “We started to talk about try to locate information about homework, and homework surveys, which teachers aim to send project that included eight faculty members. the role homework plays in school—the fact found five different statements. The statements to students and parents in the Middle and Up- The teachers aimed to go into the FACA that we all give it, we demand it—but that it is spoke to the quantity of homework that was per Schools. The Lower School will continue open-minded so they could read and under- largely unexamined.” given each night, in terms of time, but besides homework conversations already begun last stand the research of various people who had The idea of quantity vs. quality of homework a brief mention from the Lower School, they spring. Dickson reviews policy ban on new overnight trips by ABEL SAPIRSTEIN ’17 T he initiative was student-driven Lowe said, This year the Upper School has taken the “the girls (on the lacrosse team) were talking first steps to end its informal and temporary about it at the end of the season [in May]. They policy suspending new overnight field trips. actually brought it to me… and then towards “There had been an unwritten policy” rather the end of the school year I sent Nancy Dickson than an outright “moratorium on creating new an email.” field trips,” Upper School Principal Nancy The athletic trip was extensively discussed Dickson said. in faculty meeting. In late September, the trip There are a number of reasons why new trips was put to a vote and tabled. “We could have have been discouraged. The primary reasons pushed it,” Lowe said, “but it probably would being lack of funding — posing finacial burdens not have gone through.” for families — as well as missed class time. Pending funding, the Art History trip, how- Many faculty are concerned about creating trips ever, is now approved as a Thursday to Saturday that only wealthy families can afford. With ris- field trip. Faculty are highly conscious of the ing tuition costs, the school is increasingly wary notion that many trips can be taken for many of billing parents. good reasons, but that limits need to be drawn “Unfortunately, we do not have the luxury by the community to prevent creating inequali- of thinking about the other potential problems ties of educational experience. down the road because funding has been so The informal ban on new trips has not af- problematic,” Dickson said. fected several field trips that have been a part of There were two potential trips this year that the Upper School for many years. These annual prompted a discussion that might signal an end trips have required significant faculty invest- to the current policy against new overnight trips. ment, function outside of the regular curricu- L ast year, Middle and Upper School arts lum, and don’t receive funding from the Upper photo courtesy John Kessinger teacher Susan Asdourian wanted to take her School budget. History department chair John Kessinger and his wife Battle Pincus wel- Art History class to New York, but was denied T he International Student-Led Monitor- comed John Terry Pincus Kessinger into their family October 25. They permission to pursue the trip. ing and Research trip (ISAMR), also known plan to call him Jack; students plan to call him J-Cuatro. T his year, however, Asdourian was given as Artic Club, created by Science department permission to ask parents about the financial chair Julie Rogers has secured outside funding, feasibility of such a trip. Asdourian wanted including grants. ISAMR takes a trip each sum- Eline competes at Hopkins hackfest to make it clear that “my class will only go to mer, and a handful of students miss a week of See Hackathon, p. 3 NYC if we can take everyone in the class who school during October also. wants to go.” The annual Civil Rights Trip is lead by In the app Sketch Magic created, patients idea] further.” “If it turns out that as a group we can’t af- Dean of Students Traci Wright. The week- are asked to connect dots on a screen, and the As for programming in general, Eline defi- ford the trip, then we’ll do something less in- long pilgrimage to historic sites from Virginia drawing is objectively tracked both for neatness nitely has it in his sights: “I’m looking to go to volved instead. I won’t take a trip that excludes to Mississippi does not receive funding from the and how long it takes to complete the exercise. school for either computer science or computer some students because of financial need,” As- school. However, Dickson expressed an inter- Another benefit of the app is that results are security,” he said. dourian said. est in finding long-term funding for the Civil stored so that development can be measured He is currently taking Artificial Intelligence, When asked about the value of such trips, Rights Trip. and compared over time. a new class offered by computer science teacher Asdourian acknowledged that some field trips For several decades, Model United Nations While participants were invited to bring Mike Dennis this semester. “Aaron is part of the aren’t worthwhile, but she said that if the trips club has exposed students to international is- sleeping bags and sleep on the floor of their reason I’m teaching here,” Dennis said. “He were planned properly that they could greatly sues, sending delegations to overnight confer- workspaces, Eline’s team chose to maximize pushed really hard to get advanced computer deepen opportunities for student learning. ences at east coast universities. Accompanied the 36 hours by not sleeping at all. “It was very science courses added to the curriculum.” The second trip under consideration was not by faculty chaperones, these out-of-state trips rapid fire. We had a lot of coffee around 1:00 Eline is also a leader for the First Robotics academic, but rather an athletic one. This year are also not underwritten by the school. a.m.,” Eline said. team, of which he’s been a member for all four the Girls’ Lacrosse team requested to go on a The only trips overtly sponsored and partly At the end of the hackathon, students pre- years of Upper School. This year, Eline is the training trip for Disney in Florida. According paid for by the school’s budget are the foreign sented their projects to a panel of judges. Out team’s lead programmer, and has worked hard to Robin Lowe, the Women’s Athletic Director, exchanges, which occur bi-annually. Last aca- of 43 teams, Sketch Magic was selected as a top “managing the way all of the programmers are the trip had been run several times in years past, demic year, Upper School students spent time 10 finalist and also won the Innovation Award, able to work together,” Dennis said. but had not gone for several years. in China, Spain, and France, missing some class which was sponsored by Texas Medical Center In addition, Eline has been working with The trip would have been open to any mem- time in February and March. (TMC). By winning the award, Eline’s team the Middle School Robotics team and teaching ber of either squad, varsity or junior varsity. These trips, though expensive, are justi- received an invitation to visit and work at the them Java programming. Cost, however, was a significant consideration, fied as central to acquiring a foreign language TMC Entrepreneur’s Incubator in Houston. “He’s very intelligent, but he’s also so pas- with the anticipated cost estimated to run $1000 within the cultural context a language is used. “We’re a little spread out [geographically],” sionate about [computer science] – that’s his per person. Language trips thererfore fulfill curricular aims Eline said, “but I do think we want to take [the most important quality,” Dennis said. News // The Postscript November 2, 2016 4

photo courtesy Jeff Jennings Science teacher Jeff Jennings (powering the Platypus) is a regular participant in the annual Kinetic Sculpture race. This year, Mike Guarraia’s class will build and run an entry representing the school. STEM classes added to US curriculum by BELLA PALUMBI ’20 smaller environment. We have real one-on-one time with the teacher,” Rogers said. Four new Science, Technology, Engineer- Because the class is so small, it almost didn’t ing, and Mathematics (STEM) classes are being happen. Anna-Rose Leder ’17 advocated for the offered this year. class. “I thought the social justice aspect of it Two of the courses are engineering classes would be really interesting,” Leder said. taught by Michael Guarraia, who is new to the Leder is a member of the Park Service Club school this year. and a leader of the Neighborhood Revitalization One class is called Kinetic Sculpture and Club. “I thought maybe there could be some photo by J. Acheson involves creating an entry for the annual Ki- way to partner with that or connect the two,” Tasked with creating “Jesus shoes” that would allow them to walk on water, R. netic Sculpture Race. Teams construct human- Leder said. Potts’18 (left) and M. Price’17 test their idea for Kinetic Sculpture class. powered sculptures and race them through the ESJ students’ current challenge is construct- streets, beginning and ending at the American ing a custom toilet seat for a four-year-old child similar to Scratch, but with more versatility and entiate a machine’s intelligence from a human’s Visionary Art Museum.The sculptures must with spina bifida, a birth defect that can cause power. intelligence. withstand traveling fourteen miles, through leg weakness and paralysis. “The idea is to avoid the challenges posed Dennis plans to incorporate four or five new mud, sand, and even a dip in the harbor. When asked about the kinds of STEM by trying to learn a text-based programming computer science courses in the coming years, Guarraia previously taught classes at Ar- classes she would like to see at Park, Science language for people who are not really famil- including a Python course next semester, in an butus Middle School, where he also helped Chair Julie Rogers expressed excitement for iar with programming in the first place and get effort to build a more complete computer sci- students create entries for the race. the possibility of linking learning to “real world them into programming and seeing the results of ence curriculum. To practice building kinetic sculptures, stu- problems.” what they do right on the screen,” Dennis said. “I believe that STEM education gives us dents in both new engineering classes made “The notion of pushing [science classes] to The Artificial Intelligence course, which rec- a window into the general area of problem- ‘Jesus shoes,’ an attempt to walk on the pond. have a foundation in a problem that’s happening ommends some Python programming experi- solving,” Dennis said. “In the same way we “Engineering classes are important because here in Baltimore City would be really awe- ence, is not only about tinkering with code and study English, in part, to reflect upon our own so much around us has to do with engineering,” some. It would be naturally interdisciplinary computer systems. Students will also consider experience, problem solving is a technique that Michelle Pais ’17 said. because all social justice issues have to do with the philosophical and ethical implications that we can use to reflect upon our own approach to Guarraia’s class is the first engineering class advocacy for basic human rights. I think there is come with building sentient machines. how we confront complex problems. If taught Pais has ever taken. a place for that in science, but not many institu- The Most Human Human by Brian Christian that way, I think that’s a useful skill for anybody Park’s entry in the sculpture race will take tions are incorporating social justice issues into is a primary text for the course. to have, even if they’re never going to program many months to construct. An athletic storage their science curricula,” Rogers said. “It’s an author’s personal narration of his ex- a computer,” room will be converted into a workshop. There are also two new computer science perience with the Turing test and what it means “Park is progressive, and I would like for us The 19th annual Kinetic Sculpture Race will courses taught by Mike Dennis, the faculty ad- to try and pretend to be human. How do you to be on the cutting edge of what is academi- take place on May 6. viser of the robotics team: Bits Don’t Byte and convince people that you’re human? Is that a cally exciting and rigorous and life-changing A second new engineering class is Engi- Artificial Intelligence. doable thing? Would it be a good thing? That’s for students,” Rogers said. “I think that these neering for Social Justice, or ESJ. There are Bits Don’t Byte is an introductory class, a much harder question,” Dennis said. programs hold potential for that for a population only four students in ESJ. Nicole Rogers ’17 requiring no prerequisites. Students learn to The ‘Turing test’ from 1950 is a theoretical of our kids that we haven’t been reaching in the enjoys the small class. “We can learn better in a use Snap!, a visual programming environment challenge for determining how we can differ- past.” Students prompt discussion of gender pronouns Pronouns from p. 1 they be unwilling to share this information also noted that she plans to send out a letter to pronoun is ‘il’ and the feminine pronoun would Fink said. “When I gave them the survey, I said, with their parents? parents in the coming weeks addressing how to be ‘elle,’” Upper School Modern Language ‘Tell me what pronoun, él or ella, you would “The goal is to have the student feel com- best discuss these topics. Chair and French teacher Jenny Sorel said. “The like me to use.” fortable telling their family about this identity, Secondly, how do preferred pronouns get problem is that it’s not universally recognized. Dickson notes that while the discussion of rather than hearing it from an outside source,” addressed in modern language classes, where The problem is also that, when spoken, it sounds preferred pronouns is important, “it’s one piece Dickson said. “…Up to 340 students and an- consistent non-binary pronouns don’t exist? The like ‘elle,’ so it would really only work in writ- of a much larger conversation we need to be other 40 adults could know an aspect of a stu- modern language department has taken several ing. Even if it were written, it’s not uniform… having as a faculty and as a school,” she said. dent’s identity [that they don’t want to share approaches to addressing non-binary pronouns. not everyone would understand.” “We recognize that this is a work in progress – with the parents], so it’s unlikely that that could One approach is the use of “el” in French. “It’s “At this point, as far as I know, Spanish has we’re at the very beginning of what has to be be contained within the school walls.” Dickson a good combination because the male singular not come up with a gender neutral pronoun,” an ongoing conversation.” Commentary // The Postscript November 2, 2016 5 Students, faculty left out of decisions Require by BENNETT DEMSKY ’18 and groups regularly over the weekend were giv- feature students. Last year when we were de- MONTANA LOVE ’18 en access codes that functioned at the Lower signing a master plan for our campus, students School bus circle entrance during open hours were on the committee. Our student council community Several weeks ago, The Postscript reported on Saturdays. president even has a seat on the Board of Trust- the controversial news that Park would add time “This [policy] is an effort to make sure that ees. Students attend meetings of individual aca- to the school day next year. On September 22, we’re not inadvertently having people in the demic departments, and of department chairs. service Head of School Dan Paradis sent an email to building who we don’t know are in the build- Administrative decisions are almost always faculty saying that he had “made the decision ing,” Paradis said. made with faculty, and in many cases, student that we will add more time next year.” input. We are a school where everyone’s opin- by ELI ASDOURIAN ’18 The email says that no further decisions have Inconvenient Rules ions are valued: when a decision affects us all, The Upper School prides itself on its been made as of yet, and that all decision mak- everyone gets to weigh in. invitational culture, which means students ing will happen after consultation with depart- We realize that this sounds like a trivial The decisions to add time to the school day aren’t forced by the school to do things ments, as well as with a task force composed change, and we understand the desire to protect and to further restrict building access clearly they aren’t interested in. Instead—at least of faculty from across the three divisions. That Park School. But as members of clubs that often excluded student and faculty input. This shift theoretically—kids join clubs that they’re said, Paradis makes it very clear in his email conduct Saturday meetings, we know firsthand away from incorporating a level of student and genuinely interested in, and give speeches that we will add time to our school day. how inconvenient this policy is to those who faculty participation in the process is trouble- in assembly on topics that they’re actually Paradis continued by explaining: “The im- work diligently during weekend activity meet- some. passionate about. pact of any change to our start or end time will ings and practices. “I made a decision [to extend the length of But the invitational culture only extends be felt by everyone on some significant level, “It might be a little bit hard for those who the school day], with the support of the princi- so far. In order to graduate, students are re- and thus it’s important that everyone’s voice has want to set policy to fully understand how dis- pals,” Paradis said in an interview. “That said– quired to take certain academic classes and been heard before any change is decided on.” ruptive it can be to have to constantly go down we know we’re going to add. Now, let’s all the Human Sexuality course, as well as get The issue is that “everyone’s voice” was and let someone in the door,” math teacher weigh in on what that looks like, and how that P.E. credits. not heard when deciding whether to add time and Mock Trial coach Tony Asdourian said. would work for us, or not work for us,” he said. On first glance, Park’s graduation re- in the first place. Instead, Paradis, following “I think that they mean well; I think that they quirements actually look quite similar to discussions with all three principals, unilater- want safety for the kids, and that’s really a good Decisions without consultation those of other private schools in Baltimore, ally decided that time would be added and that goal. But I do wonder if this is really the best except for one thing: community service. conversations with students and faculty would solution—it seems like it’s causing as many We recognize that the school’s intention was Almost all other independent schools in take place after the decision had been made and problems as it’s solving.” to open discussion about how best to make this the Baltimore area require at least 40 hours communicated. The aforementioned email to The ramifications of this policy are that it change. But holding these conversations after of community service in order to graduate. faculty was then sent out, laying out plans for makes the lives of both students and faculty the initial decision had already been made didn’t Park students are only required to go off- a task force and communicating that we would harder by creating a more disruptive working allow for students and teachers to weigh in on campus and help others one day a year, on most certainly add time to our day next year. environment and making it more difficult to the value of, and reasons for, adding time. When the Day of Civic Engagement. convene outside of regular school hours. we discuss after we decide, or when there’s no “For a lot of kids, the Day of Civic Administrator-only decisions “I feel like there are a number of teachers discussion at all, there simply isn’t room for Engagement is sort of an appetizer,” said who put a lot of time in on the weekends—do- anyone to say, “This doesn’t work for us.” Rommel Loria, Director of Service Learning The administration then sent an additional ing a lot of stuff that’s nowhere in their job We respect the difficult position that admin- and Civic Engagement. “There are all these email that expressed regret for excluding faculty description, but they do it because they love it, istrators are in, and we understand that they different opportunities out there. If you like from conversations, but reiterated that this was because they like being with kids, and because have to balance aspects of decisions that most it, you can get involved.” a decision that only the administration could or they like the activity and they want to do a good wouldn’t even consider. But the administration One day is a start, but many students for- should make. It also emphasized that we will job. And I’m not exactly sure why we would may not be familiar with the inner workings of get about the experience the following day. still add time next year. have a policy that would make it more difficult many facets of day-to-day life at school, and Having kids continue to work on a more Last month, an administrative email to em- for students and teachers to have those experi- consequently, there are aspects that they don’t involved project would have a longer last- ployees about security established new rules for ences,” Asdourian said. consider when they exclude student and faculty ing impact on the community and on the weekend access to the school. One of the poli- While we disagree with the two new poli- input from the decision making process. students themselves. cies abolished Saturday keypad codes, and now cies, our issue is not with these decisions spe- When we fail to consult with and incorporate Unsure if mandating service hours is the requires staff to obtain access cards instead. cifically, but rather with the decision making the opinions of the school community in impor- right way to get students more involved, Students are only permitted to enter school if a processes behind them. tant decisions, we alienate faculty and students, Loria presented another option: “[it] might faculty member opens the door to let them in. One of the things that we love about Park is and directly go against the school’s philosophy. be more in keeping with the history and tra- This is in stark contrast to previous years, how important decisions are made here. Search Furthermore, we may not end up with the best dition of service here at school [to say], ‘you where students and faculty who convened their committees for both teachers and administrators outcomes for everyone. need to take one or two courses that are in this [service learning] vein.’” Loria’s long-term goal is to weave com- munity service directly into more courses, and some of this has begun to happen. The first sentence on the “Civic Engage- ment” section of Park’s website reads: “To achieve a richer understanding of the world, one must participate in it.” So why is Park content with only requiring that kids “see what’s out there” just one day a year? Despite the school’s invitational cul- ture, when Park really values something, it requires it. Instead, Park hopes that in mandating four semesters of art, more of its students will find value in art. It hopes that in mandating six athletic credits, more students will find a love for sports or at least value personal physical fitness. If all students had to do some community service, a lot more of them would end up understanding its value. Through service hours or service learn- ing classes, Park has to somehow find a way to make sure kids actually do community service. This is especially important at a place like Park: an expensive, suburban, private school which has many students, in- cluding myself, who are quite isolated from the problems that a lot of Americans face. Park’s website has it right: one must participate in the world. Let’s make sure it happens, and require community service. cartoon by Anton Shtarkman ’20 Features // The Postscript November 2, 2016 6 Priscilla Morales Clubs grow from interests by KATELYN MANN ’20 Green Club members plan to undertake ac- tivities to address climate change. “We will do tackles new Clubs usually die when a student leader activities, such as planting trees and adjusting graduates and no one steps up as the succes- the temperature to minimize the energy usage sor. The 2016-2017 Upper School Activity at Park,” He said. leadership role Guide includes five “ghost clubs”: Ski 4 Life, “We are also planning to study the solar pan- Park Environmental Action Coalition for Ev- els located on the roof of the athletic center, take by TALIA KOLODKIN ’20 eryone (PEACE), Park Animal Welfare Soci- a trip to D.C. for the annual Green Festival, and With her passion for secondary education ety (PAWS), Youth Empowerment Society, and invite some scientists and journalists to talk and love of televised WWE wrestling, Priscilla Israel Club. about current environmental topics,” He said. Morales brings a unique point of view to the These clubs may be deceased now, but if The Green Club provides the opportunity for office of Associate Head of School. someone becomes interested in running them, students to start tackling the problem of climate Morales was raised in the Bronx, New York, they can be brought back to life. When no change at the local level. in a working-class neighborhood predominant- one shows any interest in resurrecting them, The new Culinary Club brings in food from ly made up of immigrants. Surrounded by the they will eventually be wiped from the activ- around the world. Led by He and Nicole Mak- richly mixed cultures of the city’s outer borough ity guide. arevich ’19, this club explores the multicultur- from a young age, Morales’ childhood remains photo by N. Blau ’18 New activities have surfaced. One new of- alism of cuisine. The club is open to anyone, central to her current self. Her mother was born Associate Head Priscilla Morales fering is the Circus Club, led by Owen Sahnow regardless of culinary talent. “I started cooking in the Dominican Republic, while her father’s to openly discuss difficult questions. “I really ’19 and Matthew Hudes ’19. This group pro- about four to five years ago just for fun, and family was from Puerto Rico, though he was appreciate that Park tackles issues that other in- vides the opportunity to learn how to develop then I got more interested in looking at recipes born in the United States. dependent schools might shy away from or feel unique skills and perform circus acts. “The goal and videos online,” Makarevich noted. Morales started in public school, but went like they’re not ready to tackle,” Morales said. is to pick up new skills, stay in shape, and learn “We will learn about interesting cuisines to an independent middle and high school on a Seeing her own children extremely comfort- something that you are able to show off to your from around the world and each month we will scholarship. Since childhood Morales knew that able and happy during their admission process friends,” Sahnow said. have a different theme,” Makarevich said. “This she wanted to be a teacher. “I always wanted to at the school convinced Morales that Park was Sahnow and Hudes plan on putting on a month is European desserts, so we are planning work with young people. I feel very influenced the perfect place for her and her family. show with the other club members. “It strength- on making crepes.” by young people and their perspectives. I see Growing up in the Bronx influenced Morales ens the mind and body in entertaining ways,” Additional clubs this year include: Humans my work with them as partnering,” Morales to always want to surround herself with a di- Sahnow said. of Baltimore and the Reporters Club. The Celtic said. verse group of people. As a second-generation Another new activity is the Stock Trading Culture Club, after being dormant for two years, Morales chose to focus on independent immigrant, Morales was eager to learn about and Investment Club (STIC). Led by Teddy has been resurrected. schools because of her life changing experi- American diversity. She feels strongly about Quirk ’18 and Ilana Miller ’18. Group members One thing that keeps Park interesting is the ence with them. Transitioning from a public immigration issues and how often people can also compete against one another to learn useful club cycle of life—when one club dies, another to a private school made her very aware of the make too many assumptions and judge others investment skills. is born. difference in resources. “I’ve always thought of different cultures, races, and ethnicities. “We “Currently, we’re using something called about young people and their access to edu- like to put people in these cute specific boxes, the Investopedia Stock Simulator, which allows cation, their access to resources, but also ac- but we check off so many boxes just by being you to create and host games,” Quirk said. “We cess to conversation. [I often ask] ‘what kind American,” Morales said. have a mini game currently. It ranks players of conversations are we having in our schools Morales also cares about the issues facing based on returns. It’s casual and provides good and who is having those conversations?’” Mo- women and girls today. “I think a lot about opportunities to discuss stocks, while having rales said. women’s and girls’ rights, and what that means fun.” Morales’ connection to young people was in 2016. What does it mean in terms of our lead- The whole club plans to challenge other also noticed by English teacher and selection ership in the world? In terms of [local] commu- schools this fall. “These interscholastic com- committee member Kirk Wulf. “For me the nity building? How we support one another?” petitions use a site called ‘The Stock Market thing that set her apart is this sense of someone she said. Game,’ which allows 14 to 15 schools to com- thinking about education in the context of this “She’s open and ready to learn and to get pete head-to-head,” Quirk said. very contemporary cultural world that’s closer involved in every way,” Head of School Dan Yifei He ’18 created the Green Club this to the one that students live in,” Wulf said. Paradis said. year to explore environmental issues. Eight Before Park, Morales worked at indepen- Her passion for everything from education years ago, there was a club called Climate dent schools in the Bronx and Greenwich, Con- to immigration to women’s rights, combined Change Committee at Park (CCCP) that fo- photo by K. Laughton ’18 necticut in various administrative positions. She with her distinct point of view, give her valu- cused on climate change issues. The Green Club Club leader O. Sahnow ’19 juggles in decided to apply to Park because she was at- able insights that will influence the school in plans to pick up where CCCP left off. the black box theater for Circus Club. tracted to the school community and its ability the future. Students pursue independent studies: going to court instead of class by RACHEL MILLER ’19 hearing is not a trial and it’s not an arrest: it’s in-between. It’s the practices of the police department are,” Acheson said. Two students are spending much of the semester in Baltimore these procedures where, Dr. Colbert and others believe, great In addition to the report, Brooks and Kelly read “NO City courtrooms rather than classrooms. injustices in our system exist,” Acheson said. BOUNDARIES: Police Misconduct in West Baltimore,” a piece Mary Kelly ’17 and Sam Brooks ’18 are engaged in a unique The two students analyzed the 2016 Department of Justice published by the West Baltimore Citizens’ Commission on Police independent study: analyzing police powers in Baltimore as well (DOJ) Investigation of the Baltimore City Police Department Misconduct and the No Boundaries Coalition in March 2016, as the city’s current bail system. (BPD) and concluded that current practices unjustly cause over- which further supported claims of unconstitutional policing. Brooks and Kelly both took former history teacher and Co- policing of citizens of color. “The original [independent study] Using these documents as landmarks, Brooks and Kelly will Director of College Counseling Tina Forbush’s Criminal Law proposal was to only examine bail review. The [history] depart- present their findings and accounts of policing and bail hearings class last year, where they witnessed three days of the Freddie ment and I encouraged them to read the DOJ’s report...it is a at two Upper School assemblies. They hope to encourage the Gray trials. “[That experience] really sparked interest [for me], pretty damning report. It really talks about how unconstitutional student body to ask more questions about the criminal justice and also to some degree anger, at how the system was handling system and to perhaps make change happen regarding the issue [Gray’s] death,” Kelly said. of systemic racism. “I hope that people, myself included, gain a Brooks echoed the significance of their trip to see these better understanding of the fact that these issues with systemic particular trials. “[Seeing] the trials allowed me to hone in on racism and inequality still exist, even though the media isn’t something [about the judicial system]; that’s where bail became shining light on them every day,” Brooks said. really interesting,” Brooks said. The two are also working on comparing and contrasting The two are working with University of Maryland law profes- Baltimore’s system with Washington D.C.’s by interviewing sor Doug Colbert and Upper School history teacher Jon Acheson. attorneys and judges from both systems to get a sense of racial By going to different hearings they are researching by experi- inequities between the two locales. The bail system in Baltimore ence, learning first-hand how truly unjust the system can be. is primarily run on monetary enforcement; D.C.’s system is less “Baltimore has this history of systematic racism, with redlining based on socio-economic status and failure to appear at trial. and how they police certain neighborhoods,” Kelly said. “It’s so easy to go your whole life without knowing this if Park’s Black Male Forum invited Colbert to deliver an as- you don’t have to,” Kelly said. sembly last year, where he discussed issues in the system re- Brooks added that the unjust system “affects millions of garding race and ethnicity. Kelly and Brooks reached out to people, and even if you’re not directly affected, anything you Colbert following the assembly, and he helped them create more photo by Jon Acheson can do is helpful, even if it’s just gaining knowledge, which is tangible assignments about the bail review system, including an Police practices and bail review hearings are being what I am trying to do. [This] allows you to empathize and make assignment Colbert gives to his law students. “A Bail review studied by M. Kelly ’17 and S. Brooks ’18. some sort of change.” Features // The Postscript November 2, 2016 7 WHAT DID HOWARD BERKOWITZ DO LAST YEAR?

by LIZZIE KANE ’18 working as a trained Orton-Gillingham provider The real question should be, what didn’t -- helping students with dyslexia and executive Howard Berkowitz do over the past year? functioning disorder develop stronger reading “When you give a guy like me a lot of time, and writing skills -- a job which Berkowitz weird things happen,” Berkowitz said. noted is “really what Karyn Fisher does.” After teaching English at Park for almost “I had started this while I was still teaching three decades, Berkowitz decided to retire last at Park, and I’m continuing it this year,” he said. year. Over the course of his time away, Berkow- “That was sort of like professional development itz helped kids write college essays, taught a for me.” course for senior citizens at Johns Hopkins Uni- Berkowitz thinks that his classes will be bet- versity on August Wilson, and also worked for ter off because of what he learned during his the George Washington University as a part of time away from Park. “What happened last their Admissions Department. year is that I opened this gate to what was pos- Education is something that has always fas- sible and found myself as a horse, not running a cinated Berkowitz. “I still wanted to make a race, but running in an open field, grazing here buck or two, and I wanted to do stuff that was and grazing there,” he said. “I wasn’t living interesting and helpful to humanity,” he said. within an institutional structure, which to me is “I started to think about what in the world of one of the big things because very few people education there is outside of teaching full time get to do that.” at Park, and there’s tons of stuff out there.” Patti Porcarelli, English Department Chair, Berkowitz began a blog about education offered Berkowitz the job last spring. The Eng- called outofplatoscave, and he also directed lish Department needed someone to teach two The Normal Heart at the Vagabond Theater. His classes, so they asked him to re-enter the world evenings were spent playing Scrabble, Boggle, of Park. “We weren’t sure that Howard was and the piano. Berkowitz even started creating going to want to come back, but when he said small notebooks as well. yes we were thrilled,” Porcarelli said. “Howard “I spent a lot of time waking up when I want- loves the classroom and loves kids, and he’s ed. I read the newspaper, I had coffee, I have a been doing this for a while; in combination, kids photo by N. Blau ’18 cute little cat, I have a beautiful deck, went to are going to get a great experience.” Former Upper School teacher Howard Berkowitz has returned to Brooklandville the post office, and went out to Whole Foods While many have referred to Berkowitz’s from his “semi-retired life” to teach English part-time. and had a coffee and a donut there,” Berkowitz return as his coming out of retirement, Berkow- said. “It was a sort of ‘semi-retired life’.” itz argues that is not the case. “It’s not really Berkowitz said. marize his experience: “I know what a day feels Among the plethora of things that Berkowitz a coming out of retirement. This is the retire- Over the past year, Howard Berkowitz like not having an obligation: super-duper sum- did over the past year, he spent a lot of time ment: the freedom to choose to say yes or no,” learned many things, but this quote can sum- mer vacation.” ‘Eye to Eye’ mentoring program brought to Park Students with learning differences advocate for greater awareness by IAN GREENBERG ’19 group to life at Park. Park School community was to create a safer, crafts. Every week, Upper School mentors with “I talked to Karyn last year about creating a and more comfortable environment for students learning differences meet with Middle School The Park School always goes the extra mile group for students with learning disabilities at with learning disabilities. students to perform these activities. “Typical- to ensure the feelings of safety and inclusion for Park, because there wasn’t any affinity group. Eye to Eye also connects other mentors and ly, Eye to Eye works with a lot of community everybody within the student body. To further People really didn’t know who else in the high mentees with learning disabilities from other building,” Quirk said. expand the level of inclusion in the community, school community also had learning differenc- area schools. “The schools are divided by geo- “A lot of the things we try to do generally many students and faculty decided to bring the es. I thought Eye to Eye would be a nice way graphic region, or chapters, so this way we are involve getting together, and getting to know “Eye to Eye” program into Park. to create that community in the Upper School,” able to meet with other schools,” Margolis said. other people who may have similar learning Eye to Eye is an art oriented mentoring pro- Margolis said. “For example, we have made connections differences to yours. The main goal, specifically gram in the Middle and Upper Schools, which “The hope is to destigmatize ADHD and with a high school in Washington D.C., so if we for the mentees, is to walk away with a renewed is specialized for students with learning dis- learning differences within the school envi- can organize, and begin to communicate more sense of confidence,” Quirk said. abilities, such as ADHD. ronment,” Margolis said. Destigmatizing will often, eventually we could do something with A program where kids with learning differ- Last year, the student leaders, Rebecca Mar- “allow kids with learning disabilities to feel another chapter,” Margolis said. “Otherwise we ences get together and do a variety of group golis ’17, and Teddy Quirk ’18, both worked comfortable asking for accommodations,” Mar- are in charge of our own programming.” bonding activities is a great step in creating a with Upper School learning specialist Karyn golis added. Eye to Eye features activities for the mentors safe environment where students with academic Fisher to create an opportunity to bring this The mission of bringing Eye to Eye into the and kids to do, such as various types of arts and disabilities feel unashamed and less lonely.

From left: Eye to Eye club leaders T. Quirk ’18 and R. Margolis ’17. photos by N. Blau ’18 Arts & Culture // The Postscript November 2, 2016 8 Amazon releases three new comedies: two to watch, one to forget by BEN COHN ’19 her brother and her stepfather and is forced to deal with a personal tragedy The death of a parent, vigilante from her childhood. political bombings, child molestation, One Mississippi presents themes and suicide attempts via walking into of family and forgiveness. But too of- traffic. What do these things have in ten, they become muddled in a com- common? At least one plays a large plicated plot, and the show becomes part in the new trio of Amazon com- meandering and slow. The final two edies that premiered in September. episodes are the best, finally reach- Fleabag, One Mississippi, and Crisis ing a balance of heartbreaking and in Six Scenes each use humor to deal uplifting. with dark issues, to varying degrees There is a lot of bad television. of success. But a lot of bad TV is still entertain- There is a line in the sixth and fi- ing. Or at least mindlessly pleasant. nal episode of Fleabag where Phoebe Crisis in Six Scenes, Woody Allen’s Waller-Bridge, playing a magnifi- new TV show, is not pleasant, not en- cently awful character of the same tertaining, and definitely not good. name, says, “Either everyone feels Most of the time, it’s incredibly bor- like this a little bit and they’re just not ing. Allen took what could be an talking about it, or I am completely interesting concept for a movie and alone. Which isn’t f—king funny.” stretched it two times its length. She gives a knowing look to the Allen plays an unsuccessful au- camera, staring the viewer in the thor, and Elaine May plays his wife. eyes with mascara running down her They accidentally end up housing a face. This is Fleabag at its prime: fugitive, played by Miley Cyrus. This Preview GALLERY SHOWS PLANNED plot could be funny, but every scene gut-punchingly sad and uncomfort- by BRANCH SEIDENMAN ’19 hibit by participating in “Bottled class’s trip to The League for People ably funny. goes on for too long and the charac- Emotions,” an event in which people with Disabilities. Fleabag, which premiered on ters feel weak. The visual arts department has an use a specific emotion to blow a piece “We’re really interested in the in- September 15 on Amazon, is a com- The acting, while not great, is exciting year planned with innova- of glass. tersection between art and people’s edy. I swear. Phoebe Waller-Bridge probably the strongest part of the tive exhibitions. Let’s take a look at Charlotte Potter’s work is cur- various ways of [making it,]” Sutton plays her character to perfection, an show. Allen plays the character he what’s to come. rently in the gallery. said. angry, sexual and sarcastic 30-some- always plays: neurotic and nervous. “I’m most excited for Feeling The exhibit also features work The exhibit will run from Decem- thing. Her mother died, which she has Cyrus puts up a good performance, Finds Thought,” Upper School pho- from students relating to emotion ber until early March. dealt with (mostly). There has been but she sounds awkward speaking tography teacher, exhibitions educa- and feelings. In the library hallway, As always, the year will conclude another death in her life, but the grief Allen’s dialogue. It almost seems tor, and yearbook adviser Janna Rice doodles that students made in Dave with a Senior Show and an All-School and guilt from that has been pushed wrong for Cyrus to speak in the fast- said. “We’ve been anticipating it for Tracey’s classes cover the wall, be- Show. In past years, the All-School so far down inside of her that she paced, over-stylized sentences that a long time. It’s been two years since side evidence supporting doodling Show has had a theme, though the can’t feel it anymore. Allen writes. John Magaro and May we first got in contact with Charlotte as an effective method of learning. May 2016 show did not. “This past Fleabag juggles incredible sad- seem right at home in this world, and Potter.” “As somebody who uses [doodling] year, we decided not to have a theme ness with constant jokes. Its charac- together give the two standout per- Potter was this year’s Diana Lee to help her focus, I am often advocat- because some of the art teachers felt ters are strong and expertly played by formances. Fox Resident Artist. “I saw her work ing for that way of [learning],” Upper constrained by it… But this year a strong supporting cast, with a stand- Amazon’s new series are a mixed in the gallery, and I knew she had to School visual arts teacher Christine we’ll probably have a conversation out performance by Olivia Colman as bag. Each features a comedian who come Park. She’s just that great,” Di- Tillman said. [with the teachers] about whether to the stepmother from Hell. It’s a medi- not only acts, but also writes, playing rector of Arts and Middle and Upper The next exhibit on the school cal- have a theme,” Rice said. tation on grief, guilt, and friendship characters who have negative traits School visual arts teacher Carolyn endar will be a partnership with Make Tillman would also like to see that is stronger than most comedies that far outweigh the positive. Sutton said. Studio, which, according to Sutton, is more student support: “We would currently on TV. Go watch it. In the end, if you’re looking for A notable element of the exhibi- “an organization run by a Park parent love to see more students at recep- The plot for One Mississippi is something to watch, start Fleabag tion was the student and faculty par- that is dedicated to helping differently tions. It’s fun to engage with artwork simple: radio DJ Tig, played semi- immediately, maybe check out an ticipation. Potter, who often works abled people create art.” in a group, and we want students to autobiographically by comedian Tig episode or two of One Mississippi, with glass, asked members of the The exhibit will also be featuring show up [and support] each other, not Notaro, returns to Mississippi when and stay as far away as possible from community to contribute to her ex- drawings from Tillman’s Drawing just come for food,” Tillman said. her mother dies. She reunites with Crisis in Six Scenes. Thao and Catie review “This Town” by THAO KAHN ’17 and comes back to you.” CATIE TURNER ’17 C: What does that even mean? What is he trying to say? This song is all the worst things Niall Horan, a member of British boy band about some One Direction songs. One Direction, has released a solo song. We sat C: Listening to One Direction is like watch- down to discuss our thoughts about the song, ing Friends—it’s not hilarious, but it’s enjoy- Horan’s future career, and what made One Di- able because it seems like people are enjoying rection songs great. others’ company. There’s none of that in this T: Niall’s sort of done a Beyoncé drop with song. this song. It came out of nowhere. T: I personally don’t think Niall has the “x C: Does he think he’s Beyoncé? Yeah, I just factor” necessary to be a singer. I’m not sure photo courtesy The Guardian thought he was going to float into the ether. what the “x factor” is, but I don’t think he has it. C: Zayn has it! Niall Horan, a member of the boy band One Direction, releases a song from T: Zayn’s the only one who can pull off a his new album. solo career. T: Harry sort of has it. In the “I’m a pretty, lyrics. I mean, most pop song lyrics aren’t range. I don’t feel like he actually cares about C: That’s what we all thought. British white boy” way. memorable, but Niall’s one-note in his singing. what he’s singing about. In One Direction that T: But here’s Niall recording a song. And, C: It’s kind of sad. I don’t want Zayn to be There’s no moment where he unleashes a high was never the point—it wasn’t like they were lyrically, it’s pretty lame. the only career that comes out of One Direction, note we’re used to hearing from One Direction trying to convince you that they were upset. C: Pretty lame. The “highways and byways” but I feel like that’s going to be it. songs. It falls flat. They were trying to convince you that you were is pretty brutal. And the humming. The big re- T: Yeah, I really don’t think Niall’s album C: He doesn’t have anyone to compensate listening to a fun song. But this isn’t fun or frain is... will be a hit, if this song is anything to go by. for his weaknesses. And that includes emotional convincing. T: “Over and over the only truth, everything I think this song doesn’t work because of the Arts & Culture // The Postscript November 2, 2016 9 Restaurant Review La Food Marketa brings Latin fare to the Quarry

by ANTON SHTARKMAN ’20 and we were concerned it would be a typical fancy restaurant where petizers, Chicken Fajitas and Bohrona Shrimp as our entrees, and ISAAC MARGULIES ’20 the portions are a morsel of food. To our surprise, the plates were Chocolate Tres Leches and Crazy Tempura Banana Milkshake loaded, and we both struggled to finish the meal. for dessert. The food was very fresh, and all the ingredients were We ordered Poutino (french fries covered in buttered cheese uniquely mixed, creating a range of flavors—from very sweet, We were both nervous and excited at the prospect of dining and chocolate mole sauce) and buffalo chicken taquitos as our ap- to perfectly salted, to excruciatingly spicy. out on our own at La Food Marketa, a new South American- The taquitos were out of this world, not only because of their inspired restaurant that opened at Quarry Lake in September. presentation but also because of their juicy chicken and comple- Our nervousness did not abate when we noticed the dramatic mentary buffalo sauce. The Poutino struck us with its unexpected difference between the diners’ attire and our choice of fashion blend of both sweet and spicy; the more we ate, the more we fell -- while at the tables sat elegantly dressed men and women, we in love with its distinctive taste. sported casual t-shirts and basketball shoes. Unfortunately, what we thought to be candied sweets turned When asking for our table, we slightly confused the maître out to be habanero peppers. You can most likely predict what d’hôtel, who was looking for an adult to come through the door happened next: our throats felt as though we had eaten fire. behind us, but after a brief pause she understood that we were After having two perfect hits with our delicious appetizers the whole party and welcomed us with a wide, hospitable smile. we were somewhat disappointed by the Bohrona Shrimp—the Once we were seated, our anxiety immediately went away abundant spiciness of the meal overpowered the taste of the because of the inviting atmosphere inside the restaurant. The main component of the dish. Luckily, the Chicken Fajitas were beautiful illuminating chandeliers on the ceiling, the typical a masterpiece orchestrated by Chef John Bedingfield: balsamic Spanish music which quietly played in the background, and the vinaigrette, seasoned chicken, and crunchy onions were grilled colorful South American-styled artwork by local artist Joel Cohen to perfection and accompanied by freshly made tortillas. all contributed to the authentic feel. We were stuffed with food, but for the sake of this review, The friendliness of the employees made it seem as if they we ordered desserts, not expecting to eat more than a teaspoon. had known all the guests for a long time—customers conversed When Walter approached our table with a beautifully prepared with the bartender while watching Monday Night Football on milkshake with chocolate-covered popcorn stuck on the outer the big screen, and at the table next to us the chef sat down to side of the glass, and a chocolate tres leches cake powdered with chat with guests. sugar, we knew the night was not over. The two delights melted Our waiter, Walter, was a very kind, large-mustachioed man in our mouths and served as a wonderful ending to the feast. who could easily teach an accelerated Spanish class. With his photo courtesy La Food Marketa Overall, the amiable ambiance, impeccable service, colorful thick accent, he would regularly check on how we were doing artwork, and quality of food gave us a fantastic experience at La and ask if we needed anything. Poutino, a dish that combines mole, french fires, Food Marketa. If we were to give a grade to this “Spanglish” After long perusal of the decorative menu, we decided to order cheese, jalapeños, and green onions, is featured restaurant, it would be an A-. Our advice is to visit this wonderful a full course meal, which consisted of a “Pequeño,” a “Grande,” on the menu at La Food Marketa. The restaurant’s place—you will not be disappointed. and a dessert. Knowing that La Food Marketa was a pricey place, chef is inspired by Latin American cuisine. New area businesses flourish by CATIE TURNER ’17 Just up the street from The Charles Theater, BAMF is filled At first glance, BAMF Cafe seems like any other coffee shop with pop culture references. Even if comics and genre fiction in Baltimore. BAMF, which stands for Books, Action Figures, hold no special appeal for you, BAMF Cafe is a great place for Movies, Friends, opened in 2015. The cafe is decked out in snacking, chatting, and getting work done. wooden booths and a long granite counter, serving sandwiches, But if you can name some not-inconsequential number of pastries, and a mean cold brew. Pleasant, certainly, but nothing Star Trek episodes based on William Shatner’s outfit alone—not, out of the ordinary. of course, that this reporter is one of those people, no reason On closer inspection, you’ll realize that the cafe is much more to think a thing like that!—then BAMF Cafe might just be the than that. Walls are decorated in cardboard cutouts of action perfect place for you. heroes; drinks bear names like “Cider of Idunn” and “Char- mander”; and a widescreen TV positioned above the bar plays Aside from an intricately beveled overhanging sign, there’s sci-fi classics all day. no indication of the Station North Tool Library’s contents from

image courtesy of SNTL outside 417 East Oliver Street. But when you step over the li- brary’s threshold, you enter a different world. In the winding library space, rows of shelves extend everywhere the eye can track, laden with drill bits, saws, how-to manuals, and much, much more. These tools are open for use by all members, a status gained by payment of a sliding-scale annual fee, on any and all DIY projects. But even non-members can take classes in the spacious workshop tucked behind the library. Courses range from basic shop safety to chef’s knife- and professional-quality skateboard- making—they serve every skill, experience, and interest level. Whether you’re a Tech Crew maven or your construction knowl- edge is limited to IKEA furniture assembly, it’s worth checking photo by Jon Acheson BAMF Cafe in Baltimore, which opened in 2015 out the Tool Library. Sports // The Postscript November 2, 2016 10

RIVALRY DAY

(Above left) Z. Charles ’17 nets Boys’ Varsity Soccer’s lone goal in a 2-1 loss to the Quak- ers.

(Above middle) Senior Anna-Rose Leder plays the ball as a Friends de- fender guards her. Pho- to by N. Blau ’18.

(Above right) A young fan cheers enthusiasti- cally for the Bruins.

(Right) Girls’ Varsity Soccer players celebrate the late goal that pow- ered them to a 1-0 vic- tory.

(Below) Upper School teachers and Girls’ Var- sity Soccer coaches Jeff Jennings (left) and Ma- lick Mbengue (right) look on from the side- line. Photos courtesy Communications.

n October 8, Park teams travelled to O Friends to compete in the first Park versus Friends Rivalry Day. The Bruins de- feated the Quakers 4.5-1.5. Four games were played that day, and two cross country meets, both of which the Bruins won, took place in advance of the event. Girls’ Varsity Field Hockey kicked off the day by defeating Friends 6-1 and then C Conference Girls’ Varsity Soccer upended the B Conference Quakers 1-0 behind freshman Bella Palumbi’s late goal. Sophomore Nick Chang’s last-minute goal sent the Boys’ JV Soccer game into overtime; it ultimately ended in a 2-2 tie. Boys’ Varsity Soccer fell 2-1 in a hard-fought, penalty-filled contest against its B Conference foes. Sports // The Postscript November 2, 2016 11 LET’S SUPPORT ATHLETES DURING THE REGULAR SEASON

by MONTANA LOVE ’18

Park students, and more specifically Park athletes, have long complained about the lack of student support at athletic events. Their com- plaints are usually warranted. There are often only a handful of students, if any, in attendance at most regular season games, and those who do come are typically coming as a part of practice with a sports team. The general consensus among most students is that we simply don’t have enough school spirit. Rivalry Day, however, proved that the student body is capable of having school spirit and energetically supporting our sports teams. On October 8, dozens of Park students and faculty arrived at the Friends School of Balti- more’s Scarlet and Grey Day, which this year doubled as a Park versus Friends Rivalry Day. As an athlete participating on that day, I was astonished at the support for the Bruins. “I don’t think we have any school spirit. We don’t do pep rallies or anything, and there are [almost] no people that come support home games. But Rivalry Day was awesome. People were actually dressing up and were psyched— that’s what it should be like,” Becca Overton ’18 said. The enthusiasm Overton described on Ri- valry Day persisted for hours, through the cold and rain, and during all four sports games. From the playing field, it felt as though Park’s sup- porters surpassed Friends’ fans in both numbers and spirit. So if it’s clearly not an issue of the student body’s ability to rouse support for Park athlet- ics, why don’t we see anything near this level of support with more regularity? Students have perennially blamed the lack of support at games on the fact that our ath- letic teams aren’t very strong, and consequently aren’t enjoyable to watch. “There’s the idea that ‘Park isn’t an athletic cartoon by Henry Kowenhoven ’17 school’ that still exists because maybe not all our sports are A Conference or we don’t recruit The problem is clearly rooted in something “It’s part of the high school experience. While I acknowledge that Rivalry Day was like other schools,” Bruin Athletic Council Co- deeper than students not wanting to watch los- Not going out to support a game your entire specially designed and touted as a competition Leader Steven Villacorta ’17 said. ing teams. high school career would be like never seeing of school spirit, the contrast between October But we have four Varsity teams that are Another justification for the low attendance a school production,” Villacorta said. “You’re 8 and almost every other regular season game at the top of their respective conferences this is that Park kids are simply too busy with other missing out and the athletes and actors are miss- at Park is too stark. fall—Boys’ and Girls’ Cross Country, Girls’ extracurricular activities. However, most games ing the support and excitement, too.” We’ve proved that we are able and willing Soccer, and Field Hockey—and they still find last for about an hour and a half, and even just Our athletes work long hours to perform to support our hardworking athletes when we themselves with an audience that consists pri- 10 minutes of support at the beginning of a well on the field, and the student body should have special events. Let’s keep that trend going marily of parents. game can really help a team build momentum. recognize their efforts by attending games. during the regular season, too.

Online athletic apparel store expands choices and limits costs by ETHAN BUSCH ’19 Clark said the prior system was “scattered and disorganized,” and kind of expensive, but you also got what you paid for.” There was Using a new online store last spring, students began to buy this new system is a way for Park to “universalize the brand” and also an error in the order last spring. The whole Boys’ Varsity sports apparel and gear to better represent their Patk teams. make sports “less of a financial burden on families.” Lacrosse team were delivered long sleeved shirts instead of The store was a pilot program and offered many different Park- Clark had been working with Athletic Director Jenny Brennan short sleeved, as ordered. Many of the boys, however, were very themed shirts, jackets, hats and other apparel. and Girls Athletic Director Robin Lowe ’84 to get the shop up happy with the long sleeved shirts. Clearly the administration Teams have always had their own gear. The Boys’ Varsity and running for last spring, and an extra push came from Boys’ is still working out some kinks in what was a pilot program, Soccer shirts serve as an example, but this practice has often been Varsity Lacrosse head coach Josh Davey. This first year was a but the general reaction from students was overwhelmingly expensive, as teams usually did not limit themselves to one shirt. trial run for the program, and according to Clark the athletic positive, and the athletic department believes that problems Lacrosse teams in the past, for instance, often have had a shirt, department is still “working on tying up loose ends” before will be worked out before the program is expanded. a jacket, sweatpants, a sweatshirt, stickers for their helmets, and expanding use of the store. According to Clark, the athletic department “will make stores other items. This can be expensive for families, and can create While there is no ban on custom Park apparel, the Lacrosse available to all teams in the future.” It is important to the athletic an awkward situation for some families who can’t afford what team with access to the store was encouraged to use it. They were directors that athletes and their families are “comfortable about others can buy. However, this past spring it was done differ- told to choose one item to buy as a team, and not to require a how [team apparel] is handled.” The store is a big step forwards ently. Lacrosse boys chose one item from the store that everyone variety of purchases by all members of the team. This require- for letting students represent their teams, and for making families would purchase, but everyone had the option to buy additional ment was needed, as many students liked so many of the items comfortable, while also updating the method and choices by us- items which appealed to them on their own. This new approach the online store sells. Dennis Villacorta ’18 said the store “had ing online options. Coupled with the way the athletic department to limit the required group accessories, but allow for additional everything you could want.” The apparel offered was “very is now encouraging its teams to limit the required apparel, means purchases, made participation in team apparel requirements more professional looking…and seemed like it would last,” Sireen that the online store permits families to spend what they are able affordable to all. Badr ’19 said. to, instead of feeling pressured to pay for lots of expensive gear The use of the online shop came during the summer of 2015. While the reaction to the shop was strongly positive, both in order not to feel left out of the group. The store should soon According to Boys Athletic Director Dia Clark ’06 the idea for Badr and Villacorta expressed a concern that many of the items be available year-round for all teams, as well as fans, providing the store came from a presentation at the Maryland Interscho- were costly, even though the teams only required them to pur- new opportunities for students to represent their teams and their lastic Athletic Association (MIAA) athletic directors conference. chase one item. According to Villacorta, last year the outfit “was school with pride. Nonprofit Org. U.S. Postage Paid Sports Permit #1262 Baltimore, MD The Postscript November 2, 2016 COMMON Girls’by MOLLIE EISNER XC ’17 wins championship SPENCE Girls’ Varsity Cross Country captured its conference championship October 25, beating runner-up St. Vincent Pallotti by a stunning 39 Which locker room points. Captain Clara Brill-Carlat ’17 placed second is Donald Trump and Julia Luljak ’19 placed third in the cham- pionship. even talking about? The team is undefeated, with an impressive by SPENCER LEVITT ’18 in-conference record of 10-0, and an overall record of 12-0. The team sat in first place in the IAAM C Conference for the entire season, followed by Catholic High, Glenelg Country, Eighty-four million Amer- and St. Vincent Palotti, all tied for second place. icans watched the political The team achieved perfect scores in six in-con- brawl at Hofstra Universi- ference meets, and even defeated the team from ty on September 6, set- St. Paul’s, which is in B Conference. ting the record for the “Carla and I are tremendously proud of the largest audience since work ethic, commitment, and successes of our the inception of televised debates. With mod- team,” transportation coordinator and coach erator Lester Holt giving candidates Donald Paula Smith said. Trump and Hillary Clinton leeway to spar The team held a record of 8-7 last year. “The without interruption, the country was shown team is much better this season,” Brill-Carlat an unfiltered look at the president-to-be; the said. “We have strong returning runners, in- second and third debates were no different. cluding Luljak and and Maeve Thistel ’19, as It’s not hard to see why Trump vs. Clinton well as newcomers like Celka Rice ’19 and Sam has drawn more viewers than ever before: photo by N. Blau ’18 Brooks ’18.” it’s entertainment. This presidential race has Team members attribute the team’s success Senior captain C. Brill-Carlat runs in the IAAM C Conference Cross Country become America’s favorite new reality TV to their new coaches, Upper School science championship October 25. She placed second in the meet, which the Bruins show. teacher Carla Guarraia and Smith. “The coaches won by 39 points. Sophomores Julia Luljak and Maeve Thistel also contributed In the latest episode, a video of Trump know a lot about running. They’ve changed our to the victory, finishing in third place and fifth place respectively. recorded in 2005 was leaked. If you don’t practices to be more structured, which I think strong sense of community. “For me, the best When asked who was responsible for creat- know by now, Trump is recorded using crude has helped us all improve our running,” captain part about the team is that it is strong and com- ing this supportive dynamic, Smith said that language targeting females: “When you’re Mary Kelly ’17 said. petitive but has remained very supportive and “the three team captains have been instrumental a star, [women] let you do it. You can do Instead of just running, practices consist friendly. Everyone on the team has pushed in establishing the team culture.” anything,” Trump said. “Grab them by the of different kinds of workouts. “The practices themselves and improved significantly,” Brill- As the season comes to a close, the coach- p****. You can do anything,” he said. provide a multi-faceted approach to develop the Carlat said. es are considering the future. “The Varsity What was his response to the leak? “I runner, prevent injury, and foster team spirit,” Kelly agreed. “Even though we all have Girls’ Cross Country supported MS Cross don’t think you understood what was said,” Smith said. varying levels of experience and speed, we are Country and we are hopeful that some of Trump explained during the second debate. “We do regular long runs in Lake Roland all extremely supportive, and it’s a great atmo- their runners will choose join our team when “This was locker room talk.” park, hill workouts, speed workouts, and some- sphere,” she said. they move to Upper School,” Smith said. LeBron James is among the many prom- times yoga, cross training, or other exercises,” “At every meet and practice, we all cheer “As coaches, using feedback from our team, inent professional athletes who have de- captain Hannah McKenzie ’17 said. for each other. It’s small things like that that we will continue to grow and develop our nounced Trump’s idea of locker room talk. The captains also note that the team has a make it such a special group,” McKenzie said. program to meet the needs of all runners.” “We don’t disrespect women in no shape or fashion in our locker room,” James said. “What [Trump] was saying, I don’t know FEATURED ATHLETE: CARRIE DAVIS ’20 what that is. That’s trash talk.” Other professional athletes, including by SPENCER LEVITT ’18 Sean Doolittle, Jamal Crawford, CJ McCol- lum, Blake Griffin, Chris Kluwe, and Chris Conley, have echoed James’s remarks. Freshman Carrie Davis has helped the 10-0 Girls’ Varsity Soccer team Trump has demeaned not only women dominate the C Conference. Davis is already an IAAM standout and plays with his “locker room talk,” but he has also for a club soccer team. done the same to all athletes. Besides playing for the Bruins, Davis also plays for the Lutherville Trump has characterized locker rooms Timonium Soccer Club, including time on the Maryland Olympic Devel- as some sort of riotous scene, with vulgar opment Program team. This program is very selective. Simply making language being shouted across the room, and the team is an honor; Davis was made captain. “It was nerve wracking at men high-fiving as they boast about their first,” Davis said. “But once I started playing I realized it was just a bunch latest sexual encounters — or in this case, of people like me who love the sport.” sexual assaults. And remember, Trump was As a starting midfielder for the Bruins, Davis has received praise for not even in a locker room when he used his her strong play this season. “She has definitely had a big impact on our “locker room talk.” team, especially for a ninth grader,” said Upper School French teacher and As a Bruin, hearing sexually explicit lock- er room talk has certainly not been part of my Varsity Soccer coach Malick Mbengue. “As a starter and one of the best own experience. Sure, we joke around, and on the team, we can definitely see how impactful she is when she is not yes we use expletives. But there is a differ- on the field. She’s one of those players who can take a shot from 30 yards ence: I have never been a part of a conversa- out and score a goal.” tion that discussed committing sexual assault. Bella Palumbi, Davis’s fellow freshman standout, has also recognized Even if we choose to believe that Trump Davis’s influence on the team. “She really rounds out the team as a mid- never actually grabbed women by their fielder,” Palumbi said. “Carrie has definitely played a big role in helping genitalia, just bragging about doing so is a us become undefeated this season.” problem in and of itself. Trump suggests that Davis, who has played through multiple injuries this season, has recently beneath every athlete is a sexual predator — been sidelined with a knee injury. Davis hopes to recover in time to to help an obvious falsehood — and as athletes we photo courtesy Carrie Davis ’20 the team win a championship in November. should all be offended.